As days get colder and shorter, students find ways to stay active and focus on fitness during the long winter months.

By Cassie Dugan and Celina Wu
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As the frosted grass crunches beneath her running shoes with each stride, senior Sarah Schinbeckler braves the chilly winter weather. Her face red with exertion from running, she attempts to avoid the ice and slick patches on the ground. Because of the obstacles, exercising in the cold is not a frequent occurrence for Schinbeckler.

“I run outside much less in the winter time because of ice and rain. Running outside when there is ice is extremely dangerous,” Schinbeckler said.

Schinbeckler said she prefers to exercise indoors, especially during the cold winter months. She added that staying dedicated to working out during the winter is crucial to maintaining overall fitness year-round.

“I don’t slack when it comes to exercising during the wintertime,” she said, “because doing so ruins the fitness I’ve worked up in the previous months.”

Despite what may seem accurate—that cold weather leads to decreased activity—according to Jeremy Neeley, a fitness counselor for L.A. Fitness, motivation increases dramatically during the cold.

“Winter makes motivation (to exercise) go up. It’s our busiest time of the year here, November through January,” Neeley said. “It’s because people have to come into the gym now whereas before they could just run around the block and be like ‘Okay, that’s good.’ Once you get in here and do your normal cardio, you start to branch out to weights and aerobics classes. Those people start seeing results and the drive to keep working out rises.”

However, according to both Neeley and Schinbeckler, it is important to maintain a steady amount of exercise on a regular basis rather than exercising sporadically.

“You can’t expect to come in (to the gym) and start exercising here and there and expect to see results,” Neeley said. “In order to see the results everyone wants to see, you have to keep your heart rate elevated for at least 30 minutes three or four times a week.”

Schinbeckler said she stays healthy by doing just that, plus more. She said she normally exercises twice a day, and winter doesn’t slow her down, especially since her track and field season is lurking right around the corner.

“Exercising year-round is critical in preparing myself for track and field. It is important for all athletes to practice during the off-season because it pays off when competition starts,” Schinbeckler said.

She said she also provides encouragement for those who do not participate in a sport to still keep up with their health.

“As for those people who don’t play a sport, exercising during the winter will keep you warm and awake,” Schinbeckler said. “I guarantee you will feel less bogged down and exhausted.”

L.A. Fitness associate Alex Blazier also said that there are reasons that even non-athletes should work out during the winter.

“There are many benefits of exercising indoors,” Blazier said. “You have the benefit of having television or reading books while you are on the machines inside.

Schinbeckler added that during her daily exercises, she not only practices cardiovascular exercises but also strength and aerobic exercises.

“I use both hand weights and leg machines to help develop muscle along with a separate cardio workout, like running or yoga, which keeps my heart healthy,” Schinbeckler said. “I have a physical conditioning class every other day and I go to Cardinal Fitness with friends every day.”

According to Neeley, among other ways to burn calories easily during the winter, there is one simple, yet essential, part of an exercise routine that everyone seems to overlook: stretching.

“A lot of people don’t think stretching is a big deal, but it is. What most of those people don’t know is that stretching actually burns calories. So if you’re looking for an easy way to burn calories and do it indoors, stretching is perfect,” Neeley said.

Some other ways to cut calories without the hard work include activities as small as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. The Web site www.weightlosssuccess.com suggests parking farther away from your school or work site so more walking is required.

Also, pacing while you are on the phone, swaying or moving your legs while sitting and doing a little dance while brushing your teeth or drying your hair are some effective, but enjoyable ways to shed a few extra calories.

Looking further than just exercise, nutrition affects one’s health tremendously.

And over the holiday season, many are hoping to make a comeback from indulging in all the foods this time of the year had to offer.

While Schinbeckler said being a vegetarian helps her nutrition, she also admitted to giving up at least one junk food to prevent too much calorie intake.

Neeley, however, suggests a compromise. “You can eat what you want, really. But instead of doing three huge meals throughout the day, split it up into five or six smaller meals,” he said. “The calorie intake in smaller amounts of food is more easily burned off. It actually works to your advantage because each time you eat it is like a new opportunity for your metabolism to start working again.”

Nutrition, strength and cardio all interact in equating one’s health. This formula does not alter just because the seasons change and temperatures drop.

“You have to build a value of health for yourself,” Blazier said. “More illnesses and colds come along during the winter season. You should use that as motivation because regularly exercising makes you less prone to sickness. You can’t put a price on health. You should want to stay healthy and increase your chances of living longer. You shouldn’t use winter as an excuse to just stop.”

Schinbeckler said, ”Being dedicated to exercise year-round is definitely a hard lifestyle, but I don’t regret a minute of it.”